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The Mantrap

This Oban institution is open once again.

A place whose reputation goes beyond this town, The Mantrap is just a few steps from Oban's main George Street, and is a place for friends to gather for a drink, play pool, listen to jukebox or small functions and events.

Named after the ancient poachers net that caught thieves as they stalked the hillside – the bar can host meetings or whisky tasting/gin blending events during the day, and in the evening small parties.

Directions

Address: 2 Argyll Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NL

3 words: ///drilled.indicated.correctly

Alan Warner

The Mantrap is a small pub, but with a huge reach, thanks to internationally renowned author, Alan Warner, who is originally from the Oban area.

The Mantrap name has always stuck in his imagination – “I just thought it was such a great name; when I wrote Morvern Callar, I was determined to use it somewhere. I recall when you went in it, it had that big metal trap hung up on the wall. Which gave the name of the bar a sort of double meaning – a literal and metaphorical mantra. I knew Angie the barman circa 1983. But I would never describe myself as a regular.”

“In my novels, I have taken a lot of liberties, and basically, I used The Mantrap as a name for a geographically fluid place, as it always struck me as an odd combination! Ironically, the original building on the site was once a Temperance Hotel – but there was little temperance on display in my day."

Oban Whisky Experiences

The Mantrap is only yards from Oban Distillery, so why not treat yourself to a 'hauf an a hauf' (half and half), a whisky flight or book one of our tasting experiences with a local expert who will share more about the history of the distillery and the whisky making process.

Blend your own Scottish Gin

Our guide will help you blend your own gin, using products from Beinn an Tuirc Distillery in Kintyre, which are neatly stored in our bespoke drinks cabinet, made by local craftsman Michael Acey Furniture.

Get In Touch

For general enquiries or bookings.